While we’re all under the impression that a glass or two of red wine has moderate health benefits, research shows that consuming 1-4 drinks of any form of alcohol has health benefits.

Yes, you heard that right: 1-4 drinks of any form of alcohol is associated with reductions in coronary artery disease and overall mortality. Specifically, we’re talking about 1-2 drinks for women and 2-4 for men.

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Do not go out and binge based on this statement. Binge drinking (although fun) still is, and always will be, unhealthy.

In 2007, a meta-analysis of 34 studies published by the American Heart Association shows the surprising relationship between alcohol and health.

There’s a J-shaped curve (sometime called U-shaped curve) in the mortality rate due to alcohol consumption. Those who never drink, on average, have a slightly higher mortality rate. The rate goes down with moderate drinking, and then back up and higher on the high-consumption end. Get it? Hint: it forms a J.

Alcohol also decreases inflammation, making it easier for the heart to do its job.

Alcohol prevents blood platelet clotting, which is good because clots can get stuck on the artery walls causing it more difficult for blood flow.

Wine does have a slight edge over other forms of alcohol, followed by hard liquor, then beer. The effects of the different types are still comparable though. Careful with the mixers though – sugars are still not healthy.

This conclusion has been shown in multiple studies, starting with a Baltimore study in the 1920’s. Since then, these findings have been replicated consistently in Chicago, Albany, Yugoslavia, Puerto Rico, Finland, New Zealand, Massachusetts, Japan, Australia, Trinidad, San Francisco, and men that were followed for 12 years by the American Cancer Society. These are just the studies I found before I decided I found enough and don’t need to list anymore.

Photo courtesy of Gabriel Amadeus on Creative Commons

If you do not drink now, you’re okay. The mortality rate is still low for you, and there are much worse effects if you over-consume.